Abstract :
A frequently ignored or neglected component of foreign policy studies is the role of
analysts in both the formulation of public policies and their attempts to legitimize or delegitimize
certain policies in the eyes of both policy makers and the public. Public
policy analysts are considered to be experts, members of epistemic communities; what
is important for our purposes here, however, are the transnational alliances among them.
In addition to national- level efforts of epistemic communities, analysts also attempt to
garner international audiences through the publication of books, articles, op-eds, media
instruments, lectures, and participation in international organizations. These audiences
allow them to forge transnational links that have an impact on the course of
interna tional politics. The intellectual products of public-policy analysts/critics help to
redefine and redirect policy makers’ expectations and perceptions, subsequently leading
to policy reform or modification.
